If you have excess gum tissue along the teeth, sometimes referred to as a ‘gummy smile’, or lost gum tissue along the teeth, also known as receding gums, Dr Julia can help to effectively enhance the appearance of your gums.

GUMMY SMILE

An abundance of gum tissue can make the teeth appear too short and many people who are affected by this condition feel self-conscious every time they open their mouths to smile. Crown lengthening, also known as gum lifting, is a procedure that reduces excess tissue and reshapes the gums for a more symmetrical appearance along the teeth.

RECEDING GUMS

Gum recession occurs when gum tissue wears away, exposing more of the tooth at the root. This may cause increased sensitivity, especially when eating or drinking hot or cold foods. Because gum recession tends to happen slowly, many people do not realize it is happening to them.

Some people choose to have a gum graft for cosmetic reasons, such as to have a better smile; while for others, a gum graft is necessary to protect the exposed tooth from damage and repair any damage already done.

Cosmetic gum surgery can help correct these and other gum problems. Besides making your smile more attractive, it can also restore the health and function of your gums when they have suffered damage from dental disease.

GUM SURGERY AS PART OF A SMILE MAKEOVER

Cosmetic gum surgery may also play a role in a comprehensive smile makeover, in combination with other treatments. These may include orthodontics or dental veneers to improve the shape or alignment of the teeth; injections or lip stabilization procedure to restrict the movement of the upper lip; and orthognathic (jaw) surgery to correct an abnormal jaw position.

Whether it is used by itself or as part of a larger makeover plan, cosmetic gum surgery can have a dramatic effect on your life. Repairing and restoring your gums can help you regain better oral health and a more attractive smile.

There are many ways to manage bruxism, the most common treatment being occlusal splints (dental appliances). There are other therapies and treatments available, but these are generally seen as less effective. It is becoming more popular for dentists to recommend a more holistic treatment plan. This may include combined treatments with physiotherapists, chiropractors, and sometimes hypnotherapists.

Occlusal splints are generally designed to act as a mechanical separation of the teeth and may be as simple as a soft mouthguard. Other dental treatments may also be considered, such as equilibration (grinding away tooth surface to make the teeth fit together better), orthodontics, or crowns and veneers.